Animal rescue struggles after major benefactor dies

Hearts & Hands Animal Rescue in Ramona is in danger of losing its property that houses endangered zebras and other rescues, following the loss of its major contributor.

“We just lost our largest single donor, James Whipple, a true gentleman, and a wonderful director of Hearts & Hands,” said Nancy Nunke, owner of the nonprofit organization.

Whipple, 91, had recently moved to Ramona from Lakeside to be near the rescue and was about to pay a $50,000 single payment due on the mortgage, but died unexpectedly, said Nunke.

Whipple became a founding member of Hearts & Hands to continue his conservation efforts, along with others who realized that the Hartmann’s Mountain zebra and the Grevy’s zebra are soon to be extinct, said Nunke on the rescue’s Facebook page.

Hearts and Hands has some of the zebras as well as endangered Przewalski’s horses and rescued dogs, cats, goats, alpacas, tortoises, mules and donkeys. The organization also offers education and wellness programs.

Hearts & Hands was established 15 years ago and is a 501(c)(3) organization.

The nonprofit is seeking donations to prevent foreclosure and to continue caring for the animals. More information is at www.gofundme.com/rallyforrescueanimals or see Hearts & Hands Animal Rescue Inc. on Facebook. Nunke said on Friday, they had raised about $10,000.

If they lose the property, Nunke said the rescue will not disappear, but will have to find a new location.

“This place is too important,” she said.